The Christian religion is a thinking religion. Though it concerns the emotions and touches the heart, it appeals primarily to the intellect. God has chosen to reveal His will through ideas expressed in words. This course He has chosen over and above the method of "touching" man's heart by means of divinely dictated feelings or sentiments. According to the Hebrew writer, it is the living, active word of God which works upon the souls of men (Hebrews 4:12). And were not the hearts of the Pentecostians pricked only after hearing the inspired word of God? (Acts 2:4-37). God pricks the heart with His word, and not with a "better felt than told" experience.

The faithful Christian must be a thinking Christian. The disciple of Christ acts as he does, believes what he believes, and teaches what he teaches, not because his feelings dictate such, but because his mind has thought these things out based upon what God has spoken. Paul admonishes, "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good" (I Thessalonians 5:21).

It seems many Christians have grown either too lazy or too indifferent to think things through for themselves; they content themselves with the works and words of other men. I believe it was Thomas Edison who remarked, "Five percent of the people think. Ten percent of the people think they think; and the other eighty-five percent would rather die than think. "

The early church of Rome sank deeper into apostasy as the "laity" came to depend more and more upon the 'clergy' for the proper interpretation of Scripture.

The Bibles were finally chained to the pulpits and the people ceased thinking altogether. Such was not right then and it is not right now. Christians must begin reading and thinking for themselves. Preachers and teachers can be profitable guides, but they cannot do a man's thinking for him. "Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind" (Romans 14:5).

Christian brother or sister, think! Think on the word of God (Psalm 1:2, 119:11). Make use of this word as you prove all things to yourself with respect to your religion (I Thessalonians 5:2 1). Then you will "be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear" (I Peter 3:15).

Funeral services were held yesterday (Oct. 2) at Oak Ridge Funeral Home for sister Sherry Hobbs who passed away suddenly at her home in Winter Haven on Saturday morning (Sept. 25th). Keep Annie Chambers and the rest of the family in your daily prayers during this time of deep sorrow and loss.

October Calender
The October issue of the Activities Calendar and Men To Serve List is available today in the foyer. Since we had no services last Sunday, the month has already started - so b e sure to get a copy and be informed.

Youth Devo
The monthly Youth Devotional and Fellowship is scheduled for this evening after the PM services. See Matt Faneuf for more details.

Prayer Group
Remember that we meet at 5:30 pm each Sunday afternoon in classroom #3 for a short period of prayer before the PM services. All are encouraged to meet and participate in this important part of our Christian lives.

To carry a responsibility gives a sense of power. To do good work unselfishly for others today, increases you ability to do greater work tomorrow and both have their reward.

" The art of living lies less in eliminating our troubles than with growing with them." – Bernard M. Baruch